Like the standard Supersport, the new edition has many
circuit-orientated performance essentials, but gains a bigger engine and a
five-speed gearbox to boost outright performance significantly.

Designed to sit immediately above its 1.6-litre sibling in the Seven
range, the new adaptation’s 2-litre Ford Duratec engine has proven
its durability and performance on the track, having been developed during
three years in Caterham’s R300 race championship.

Competitively priced at £24,995 (incl tax) in self-build form or £27,995
fully-built, the new model benefits particularly in mid-range
‘punch’ and features a 25% power increase on the Supersport, as
well as 5bhp more than the R300 road car.

Caterham Cars announced a bold new joint venture engineering partnership
this week with Renault, which will result in a range of brand new vehicles,
starting with an ambitious ‘everyday’ sportscar that will
deliver the brand’s ‘accessible fun’ philosophy to new
markets. But the Supersport R shows the firm’s continuing commitment
to develop the iconic Seven, which it has been engineering and building for
nearly 40 years.

Caterham Cars’ Chief Executive, Graham Macdonald, said: “The
Supersport’s formula has struck a chord with driving enthusiasts and
we are confident that, by extending the range to include an R model, we
will be able to build on the original’s success.

“The performance of the car is very impressive but, teamed with
the accessibility of the suspension specification that works so
effortlessly on the road and track on the base model, it is well-balanced,
satisfying and fun in terms of the driving experience it offers.”

The front-mounted Caterham-developed Ford Duratec engine pairs up with a
limited-slip differential to further enhance its performance
credentials.

Meanwhile, grippy Avon CR500 tyres, Supersport dampers and race springs
ensure the car’s handling is highly-focussed but still supple enough
for the road.

Weighing just 535kg, the new vehicle extends the Supersport line, which
already includes road and track versions of the 1.6-litre model.